When compiling a CV, the aim should be to add information that is relevant to the job you are applying for, and to make the reading time as short as possible for recruiters and hiring managers. Consider the fact that they have piles of resumes to go through and generally only look for specific content. Here are some things that can be left off when writing your CV:
- Job history older than 10 years
The older the job history, the less recruiters and hiring managers will care about it. The job space is constantly evolving and the experience you had 10 years ago may no longer be relevant, depending on the industry you are in. Make sure that the experience you list on your CV is relevant to the job you are applying for. - Irrelevant hobbies and interests
Only list hobbies and interests that are related to the job you are applying for, otherwise, it is only good for taking up more reading time. Recruiters and hiring managers often have deadlines and large piles of resumes to review, so ensure that you make the most of the time you get. - Having too many soft skills
It is generally recommended to have more hard skills than soft skills. Hard skills are teachable and measurable abilities, such as writing, reading, math or ability to use computer programs. By contrast, soft skills are the traits that make you a good employee, such as etiquette, communication and listening, getting along with other people. - Professional headshots
Unless a headshot is specifically requested in the application or you are in an industry where it is required, such a modeling or acting, it is not needed. More than that, it is generally viewed as being “unprofessional”. - Unprofessional email addresses
When applying for jobs, ensure that your contact email address is suited for a professional environment. Avoid listing emails that include nicknames or inappropriate language. Simplicity and professionalism is important. If you do not have an appropriate email address, it is best to create one. When in doubt, simply use your name and surname as a username.
More blog posts with CV tips:
Free Online Resources For CV Templates
3 Things That Help Recruiters Narrow Down Candidates
3 Common CV Mistakes to Avoid
Cover Letter Tips & CV Checklist
